La Lancha

La Lancha is part of the quintet of luxury 'hideaway' hotels owned by film director Francis Ford Coppola, and one of the finest properties in Guatemala. With a lakeside, rainforest setting, it’s the perfect base for exploring the Mayan ruins of Tikal.

Location

9/10

On a hillside overlooking Lake Peten Itzá, La Lancha enjoys a privileged position. Parakeets, toucans and howler monkeys populate the surrounding forests. It’s less than an hour’s ride from the Mundo Maya airport at Flores and just 45 minutes' drive from the world-famous Mayan ruins at Tikal – the reason most people come to this corner of eastern Guatemala.

Style & character

9/10

Guatemalan masks, fabric and carvings, an open-air main lodge area with a thatched room and dugout canoes used as borders create a 'rustic chic' impression, though there are also decorative items from Bali (the Coppolas are wanderlusts) and even bits of old film scenery adding character here and there. The hotel pushes its eco credentials, including locally sourcing all food and building materials, recycling waste, and maintaining a relatively low carbon footprint (thanks to the lack of televisions, air-conditioning and other carbon hungry mod cons).

Service & facilities

9/10

The efficient team of reception staff, drivers and guides can arrange all kinds of excellent tours and activities, including trips into nearby Belize. Footpaths lead to the water's edge, for those who want to go swimming and/or kayaking on the lake (canoes available free of charge), and there’s a two-tiered pool on site. There’s a small library, gift shop and free Wi-Fi throughout.

Parking

Restaurant

Bar

Laundry

Room service

Pool

Wi-Fi

Rooms

9/10

There are just 10 rooms spread around this large private site. Six charming suites and 'casitas' (little houses) have tile floors, king-sized beds, marble bathrooms with rainfall showers and jungle views. Two junior suites are set apart – ideal for couples – and have living rooms, while two lakeside suites have the best views and expansive decks. All rooms have iPod players, minibars and handmade organic toiletries.

Food & drink

9/10

The open-sided restaurant serves excellent buffet breakfasts, plus lunch and dinner menus that showcase Guatemalan specialities, grilled meats and less spicy international options. Corn tortillas are prepared on site and local rums are sold at the bar above the restaurant.

Value for money

9/10

Double rooms from $164 (£135) in low season; and from $341 (£280) in high. Breakfast included. Free Wi-Fi. Note: from mid-December to early New Year there is a three-night minimum stay.